Ezekiel Elliot’s Suspension Is On (again) But Dallas Still Has Options
Ezekiel Elliot’s Suspension Is On (again) But Dallas Still Has Options
Daily fantasy players were surprised when Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was an option last week. He didn’t surpass the 100-yard mark like he had the previous three weeks, but a 93-yard, one touchdown day is nothing to be angry about. If he could remain eligible for this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, he’d make whoever starts him happy.
As it turns out, he’s not going to be playing this week or the five games following it.
Zeke’s gone but is the Dallas run game forgotten?
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided Thursday afternoon to deny Elliot’s request for an injunction meaning the six-game suspension handed down by the league before the season began. He has another court day coming up on December 1, so he will miss at least four games for sure (Atlanta, Eagles, Chargers, and Redskins).
But without him, will they still be able to run the ball?
Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden, or Rod Smith?
With the trio of running backs the Cowboys have on the roster and their offensive line, chances are good the Dallas run game will be just fine. But will they have a running back worth starting in daily fantasy leagues?
The expectation last week was that Alfred Morris would get the start, and he probably will this week against the Falcons. Exactly how many carries he’ll get remains to be seen and will likely depend on how much success he has.
Atlanta’s run defense is ranked 15th in the NFL, but they have only played two teams that are any good at running the ball. Those teams ran the ball with ease (Buffalo ran for 117 yards, and Carolina ran for 201 yards).
Morris is a good running back, and the Dallas offensive line will open some holes for him. Will he gain enough yards to be worth starting? Or will he split the workload too much with Darren McFadden and Rod Smith?
So, what’s the call?
Morris will get the chance to earn more carries, but the team will have no problem looking to McFadden or Smith to get the job done if he fails. So, it is a good thing Atlanta has been struggling on offense lately. There will be plenty of opportunities for whoever runs the ball.
However, until we see how Dallas plans to distribute carries between the three backs, it is hard to judge who is worth starting—if anyone. For now, the only option that is even remotely advisable is Alfred Morris and only if he comes at the right price.
Cheap.
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